How do you get the conversation past the simple query of name and title? Debby and Greg (The Networking Guru and Reluctant Networker, resp.) discuss different approaches to the process with the focus on creating a strong opening to a potentially mutually beneficial connection. Listener Asandi Connor offered the question that sparked the discussion.

Thank you to ConvoSparker:

- Asandi Connor, CEO of Say It Write, https://www.linkedin.com/in/asandiconner/

Also menioned:

- Michelle Sayegh, Business Broker at Transworld Business Advisors. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-sayegh-54331663/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[2:10] Using their title to spark the conversation

[6:45] "How did you get into that?"

[8:48] It's not only about business

[9:50] Give the GIFTS and INFER the information

[11:20] Greg forgets the mnemonic he's taught for the last 8 years

[12:20] "What is the silver lining?"

[12:50] Are you going on "networking dates"?

[14:15] Helping them with "How can I help?"

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

Penny Rosema poses another question for Debby and Greg (The Networking Guru and Reluctant Networker, resp.). How do you network with your trade association (or any business group, for that matter) when they are cancelling and postponing all of the in-person conferences? What can we do as networkers and what can the organization leaders do to maintain member engagement?

Thank you to:

- Penny Rosema, Managing Director at Cookware Manufacturers Association, https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyrosema/

Also mentioned:

- Bruce Springs, Sales and Design at 4mycard.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-springs-77a93628/

- Women In Networking, https://www.wincleveland.org/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[2:00] Taking charge of your response

[3:30] Reaching out to the association members

[3:50] Debby pounds on table pretending to type

[4:00] Personal messages. Not form letters.

[5:20] Using last year to connect

[6:23] Connecting at the virtual event -- Using the Chatbox

[10:08] Reaching out to the Association Chair

[13:45] Ideas for the Association Leader.

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

What's up this week on the Third Generation Networking Podcast? It's all about rewards! Inspired by a conversation with Lauren Givan of Dynamic Discoveries, Debby and Greg (The Networking Guru and Reluctant Networker, resp.) discuss how you can ethically express gratitude for referrals from your networking teams and the benefits and disadvantages of having a formal reward program.

Thank you to:

- Lauren Givan, Dynamic Discoveries, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-givan-b5758739/

Special mention:

- Tom Fleming, Referral Marketing Expert and Speaker, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomfbni/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[4:20] The relationship should be mutually beneficial

[5:20] Alternatives to cash rewards

[7:15] Ranging from the heart-felt thank you not to an invitation to the Greenbrier

[10:00] The possible blowback to a reward program

[11:50] Giving of yourself

[14:45] Showing your gratitude in other ways

[18:00] Making them look good

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

Thanks to a question from listener Mike Robbe, Debby and Greg (The Networking Guru and Reluctant Networker, resp.) discuss the challenges and techniques of extending your networking into a new location. These same techniques work for anytime you have to network remotely or virtually, like when you are in the middle of a global pandemic, just as a hypothetical situation.

Thank you to:

- Mike Robbe, Senior Land Acquisition and Development Professional, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikerobbe/

Also Mentioned:

- Michelle Sayegh, Business Broker at Transworld Business Advisors. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-sayegh-54331663/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[2:20] Expanding your network into another city.

[3:45] Asking your network to help expand your network.

[7:15] Make use of the chat box.

[9:15] Know what you need. Know what you want. Ask for it.

[14:20] Forming and joining groups remotely.

[15:50] Being a proactive networker.

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

You can use partner networking to extend and strengthen your networking reach (event in a virtual world). Debby and Greg (The Networking Guru and Reluctant Networker, resp.) various strategies and missteps with having a networking "wing person". They also discuss how you can use some of these same strategies in a virtual setting.

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[1:30] The first thing you must do to be successful at partner networking

[3:00] The Accountability Strategy

[4:00] The Mutual Divide and Conquer Strategy

[5:30] Making a proper introduction

[11:15] The Full Tandem Strategy

[13:10] The possible pitfalls of partnering

[18:20] You make the introduction? You are the host

[20:40] Partner techniques in virtual events

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

Whether you are at your trade association annual meeting or the local Chamber lunch, sooner or later you may find yourself sitting next to your competition. How you handle yourself reveals just how far you've come as a networker. Join the Reluctant Networker and the Networking Guru as they discuss how to turn a competitor into a colleague.

Special mention:

- Penny Rosema, Managing Director at Cookware Manufacturers Association, https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyrosema/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[1:30] Why it's not bad to sit next to your competition

[2:50] Ask what sets them apart

[3:50] Case Study: Professional photographer

[6:30] Case Study: Cookware manufacturing executive

[8:00] Case Study: Private investigator

[10:00] Get past the professional

[11:30] Dangers of the competition mindset

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

Whether or not you are the leader of a networking group or association, if you are a member, you should want the organization to be successful and that means reaching out and encouraging visitors to become new members. Debby, the Networking Guru, and Greg, the Reluctant Networker take some time to discuss a variety of activities and behaviors that can increase membership and attendance in your professional business group.

Thank you to:

- Penny Rosema, Managing Director at Cookware Manufacturers Association, https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyrosema/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[4:05] Treat your guests like gold!

[6:55] Create your systems to value your visitors

[8:20] The words to use when you invite

[9:30] Use your Board

[11:30] Virtual meeting tools -- Breakout Rooms and the Chat box

[13:40] Structuring breakout room behavior

[18:20] Interaction is more important than information

Check out more information about our upcoming virtual mini courses at: http://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

More listener questions! This time Debby, the Networking Guru, and Greg, the Reluctant Networker talk about one of the fundamental aspects of skillful networking - asking for the referral. Beyond simply asking, though, how do we not feel desperate when it's time to make that request?

Thank you to:

- Christine Steyn, Founder and Director, Dynamic Consciousness Coaching (Pty) Ltd, https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-steyn-58628523/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[2:30] What's missing from most requests.

[5:10] Step 1: Do your research. Know what you want.

[6:00] Step 2: Make yourself referrable.

[6:50] Don't sound desperate.

[8:30] Good and bad answers to "How can I help?"

The Networking Guru and the Reluctant Networker (Debby and Greg, resp.) talk about the biggest obstacle to good networking. It's not finding the time or your conversational skills. It's what's going on between your ears. Join us as we discuss how to recognize your own value and control your own destiny in the world of networking.

Thank you to:

- Cory Thompson, Fashion Retailer, www.facebook.com/lularoecoryann

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[1:10] Questions having to do with the internal game of networking

[2:00] Dealing with alcohol at networking events when you choose not to drink

[5:30] Overcoming a lack of confidence

[9:00] Recognizing the value of what you have to offer

Debby and Greg (The Networking Guru and Reluctant Networker, resp.) answer listener questions about how to use social media, especially LinkedIn, in their networking practice. While by no means social media experts, both have found techniques and mindsets that have made their use of various platforms into powerful tools to expand and strengthen their existing networks.

Thank you to:

- Andrea Pennington

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

Listen for:

[1:35] Defeating low energy with good goals

[6:30] Setting appropriate goals

[8:30] Making time for networking when you are overwhelmed already

[10:20] Simple networking activities that don't take much time

[14:00] Benefits beyond the bottom line

[15:30] The dangers of the networking gap